The White Ghost Shivers perform at the Continental Club

White Ghost Shivers photo gallery

So if you ever find yourself in Austin during SXSW or ACL, don't limit yourself to the official events. There are some great bands playing all over at aftershows, showcases that feature music frequently better than at the actual show.

A no-miss venue is the Continental Club on South Congress. I saw James McMurtry, Alejandro Escovedo, the White Ghost Shivers, Red Stick Ramblers and Raul Malo. All great acts putting on great shows.

McMurtry is renown in Austin for his brand of protest folk, Escovedo goes from the softest folk to the hardest rock with ease, the Shivers show why ragtime was the punk rock of the 20's, the Ramblers put on a fine Cajun bluegrassy show and Malo puts out a unique mix of lounge and rock. This all in three nights in the same place.

Check all these bands out at your leisure. Some good stuff.